Elegant yet appropriate: The Duchess of Cambridge wears her Michael Kors coat for the third time at Service of Commemoration

The Duchess of Cambridge joined other members of the royal family today in attending a memorial service to commemorate the members of the armed forces who died during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. For the sombre occasion, the Duchess turned to a look which served her well for a previous memorial service.

The Duchess of Cambridge, Phillip Hammond and the Earl and Countess of WessexCredit:
PA

She opted for a fit-and flare blue tweed coat by American designer Michael Kors which first debuted during her 2014 tour of Australia and New Zealand. The Duchess finished today's look with a wide-brimmed navy blue hat- thought to be by Lock and Co, navy gloves and co-ordinating suede heels.

Kate shares a joke with Phillip HammondCredit:
AFP/ Getty

The coat was first seen on the catwalk at Michael Kors' Spring/Summer 2014 show with similar styles retailing for nearly £2000. Today was the third time that Kate has worn to the elegant, flattering design. The Duchess chose the coat for a ceremony in Canberra, marking ANZAC day, Australia and New Zealand's remembrance day in April 2014. In May 2016, Kate revisited the coat for a more cheerful engagement, as she opened Hampton Court Palace's Magic Garden for children.

Prince William and The Duchess of CambridgeCredit:
Rex

The Duchess's decision to wear the coat today is a sign of her mastery of the subtleties of national occasions. While an all-black look might have been deemed too much, blue is associated with sending messages of warmth, peace and tranquility.

The Queen at today's memorial dedicationCredit:
Getty

The Queen, who went on from the service to unveil a new memorial on Victoria Embankment in tribute to soldiers who died in Iraq and Afghanistan, also wore blue. Her cobalt hat and coat were brighter than the Duchess's look in keeping with Her Majesty's tendency to chose bright colours for big events such as these where she is sensitive to the need to be seen from afar by assembled crowds.

The Duchess of Cambridge wearing Michael Kors in April 2014 at a servie marking ANZAC day in CanberraCredit:
Rex

Michael Kors is a favourite of high profile women the world over, with his flatteringly-cut tailoring among the biggest hits of his collections. The Duchess of Cambridge also has a checked skirt suit which she most recently wore to attend church at Sandringham in January 2016. That day had sombre significance too as the royals were remembering the 100th anniversary of the First World War Gallipoli campaign.

Kate in a Michael Kors skirt suitCredit:
Rex

Meanwhile, last week First Lady Melania Trump turned to a $10,000 black suit with glimmering embellishment details to watch her husband deliver a speech to a joint session of US congress. “Mrs Trump has been a longtime client at our New York boutique. She has a keen understanding of what works best for her and her lifestyle,” Kors said in a brief statement which suggested he wanted to underline that he hadn't personally worked on Mrs Trump's outfit.

Melania Trump wearing Michael Kors last weekCredit:
AFP/ Getty

Michelle Obama was also a Michael Kors fan during her time as FLOTUS, opting for a fitted tweed two-piece for President Obama's State of the Union address in 2015.

Kors's popularity amongst the royal and political elite steams from his innate understanding of the power of super-flattering cut, which is also appropriate for the carefully balanced demands of these women's roles. Expect to see plenty more Kors appearances in the Duchess's future outings.